San Juanita Garcia Lopez

Tracing her name’s history, Juanita’s name means “God is gracious.” This name was a perfect match for her. San Juanita Garcia was born on June 24, 1934 in Arcabuz, Tamaulipas in Mexico to Albino Peña Garcia and Teodora Treviño Guerra. The family included a son, Blas who was born in 1930. One day in 1936, their mother, Teodora died instantly while serving her children a meal. Juanita’s father Albino died about a year later, some surmise it was of a broken heart. In reality he developed TB while recovering from a bullet wound received in line of duty as an Alcalde. She and her brother were orphaned at a young age, so Juanita’s goal to build a secure, loving home was born. God was indeed gracious when an aunt and uncle brought the children into the United States in 1944 to live with them. Juanita was ten years old when her world changed again. These experiences didn’t break her but instead strengthened her will to live. Her hard life made her down-to-earth, well grounded; embracing meaningful relationships and becoming a peacemaker.

Throughout her lifetime, Juanita leaned on God’s word and found solace. When she was 14, she was interested in learning more of her Catholic faith but was then told she was forbidden to read the Bible! Her independent streak left her undeterred and she became Lutheran.

Her beauty attracted many suitors and a young man named Pedro came to see her. On their first date, she refused to enter his car because it was unseemly; reeking of previous occupants. Pedro found another car. They married on July 3, 1955. One child came along then Pedro joined the Army. Juanita’s world changed again but her gifts of intuition,

patience and adaptability served her well as she served alongside her husband for 22 years of military service. 3 more children were welcomed.

Juanita loved her children and was always honest; “I taught you kids the best I knew how.” She made it clear she was not perfect but did her best to teach her children by example as well as sharing words of hard-earned wisdom.

Her personality made her successful in leadership positions at her church. People were drawn to her because they felt that she was patient, kind, understanding and responsive without creating issues.

Through it all, Juanita read her bible every day and enjoyed the life she was given. One of her joys was spending time with her matas and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Slowly, she was having to say goodbye to loved ones. Her husband passed away due to cancer after a lifetime of smoking. Her youngest daughter passed away due to cancer. Her brother passed away. Her oldest son passed away due to complications of Grey Matter Ischemia caused by excessive smoking. When the symptoms of Juanita’s Alzheimers proved too much for her small body, she fell asleep in her bed at Proverbial Care in Pearland and woke up to God’s face on January 2, 2021. Juanita was 86 years old.

She is preceded in death by:

* Her husband Pedro Eloy Lopez Sr.

* Her Brother Blás Garcia

* Her children Dalia Lopez Stone Blake Perriraz and David Lopez.

Her love of life, fiery spirit, big smile and infectious laugh will live on in her descendants. She is survived by:

Her children: Grasiela Lopez Gomez and Pedro Eloi Lopez, Jr.

Her spirit child: Jose Maria Vasquez (Chema) he was a pseudo big brother to David, Grasie and Pete. He was god-father to Dalia.

Her Grandchildren: Nyssa Gomez Gonzalez (Gustavo), Iliana Gomez Garcia, Jennifer Gomez Palmer (Jordan), Corina Gomez Lopez (Mike), Jeffrey Stone (Melissa), Brian Stone (Meghann), and Maria Blake Martinez (Fernando)

Her Great Grandchildren: Jessica Garcia, Alessandra Jimenez, Xophia Gonzalez, Mike Lopez, Jr., Jude Palmer, and Dahlia Martinez.

If you wish, donations can be made in memory of San Juanita Garcia Lopez to: Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, or Dementia Society of America.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Lopez family.